Afghanistan

Human trafficking route on Afghanistan’s border closed: Taliban governor

Afghan migrants returning to Afghanistan.

The Taliban governor of Nimroz Province, Mohammad Qasim Khalid, on Monday announced the closure of a major human trafficking route in the Daq region of Chahar Burjak district, near Afghanistan’s border with Iran and Pakistan.

The area has long been identified as a primary corridor for human smuggling, according to local authorities.

According to him, the decision to seal the route follows a six-point decree issued by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s supreme leader, aimed at combating human trafficking.

Khalid emphasized that the crossing will no longer be accessible, warning that anyone attempting to use the passage will face strict consequences.

Hamidullah Fitrat, the Taliban’s deputy spokesperson, reiterated that countering human trafficking remains one of their top priorities.

The move comes amid Afghanistan’s ongoing struggles with illegal migration, as hundreds of people reportedly attempt to cross its borders daily in search of better opportunities. Over the past three years, illegal migration has been on the rise as people seek to take illegal routes, mostly due to economic problems. Human trafficking has remained a pressing issue, fueling security concerns and worsening regional tensions.